[2025] EWHC 2307 (KB)

The parties are a long way apart as to the extent of the disclosure exercise but it is evident that there is, in any event, far too much expert and counsel input in this phase. The experts will identify missing documents as part of their substantive reporting (in the expert report phase) in any event. Much of the time claimed relates to conferences said to relate to third-party data, comparators and reviewing the defendants’ disclosure.

There can only be a modest co-ordinating role at the Lead and ALGLO level regarding disclosure and that is reflected more accurately in our view by the defendants’ offer.

In relation to the GLO specific budgets, the solicitors’ time was broadly similar and the amounts for counsel, the experts and the Database hosting were identical, save for Mercedes (but which were still similar). The amount of £950,000 included a notional allowance of 2,000 hours of solicitors’ time.